New Cookbook Features Recipes from Birmingham-area Restaurants and Bars

Birmingham, Ala. (Oct. 8., 2014) ­– Nearly 90 recipes from Birmingham-area restaurants and bars will be featured in a new cookbook that highlights the area’s culinary community.

Food Network Star finalist Martie Duncan and other local food experts joined forces this summer to create “Birmingham’s Best Bites. ’’ The book will be revealed at a launch party on Friday, Oct. 10 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the downtown Birmingham Public Library, 2100 Park Place. Proceeds from the book, which will cost $20, will benefit the library. The book launch party will be part of the library's Eat Drink Read Write Festival, Oct. 3 - 10. During the party, 17 area restaurants will provide some of their "best bites'' for attendees. Advance tickets to the launch party are $10.

“There will be a limited number of tickets, so buy your tickets early,’’ Duncan said. “It’s going to be a fun party that you don’t want to miss. The people at the event that night will get first shot at buying a copy of the book. There will be limited quantities.’’

“We’ve got a really good book. It’s a beautiful book.’’

There are recipes from well-known and award winning chefs such as Frank Stitt, Chris Hastings and James Boyce; newcomers such as Melt, Hotbox and El Barrio; landmarks such as Bright Star and Fife’s; favorite barbecue restaurants; and meat-and-two locations such as Eagles Restaurant, which Travel Channel’s Andrew Zimmern featured in 2013. Recipe entries range from appetizers and entrees to desserts and cocktails. Several of the restaurants in the book have gained national attention for their food and history.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell said he’s excited about the library’s efforts in putting together such a recipe book so that it may be shared with individuals to show that “Birmingham is moving forward in a quality way as it relates to our restaurants.’’

“I want to thank all of the chefs who make it possible to have such great food here in Birmingham, Ala. And we look forward to continuing to grow that arena because it helps attract people to come here for conferences and conventions,’’ Bell said. “And also when people come here and they see the fine quality of life with the fine food that we have, it makes them want to live here as well.’’

Says Angela Fisher Hall, BPL's interim director: "There are so many great restaurants in Birmingham - each has its own style and flavor.''

Duncan worked with a team to complete the book. Some of them include Connie Blalock, a Birmingham Originals board member; Chef Chris Vizzina; Anne Cain, a former Time Inc. editor; and Arden Ward Upton of Arden Photography.

“The photography is incredible. The recipes are brilliant,’’ Duncan said. “For the home cook or the experienced chef, I think people will find something they will want to make. Some of your favorite recipes are in here like Hot and Hot’s Tomato Salad, Ashley Mac’s Mac and Cheese and Dreamcakes’ Brown Sugar Pound Cake with Bourbon Caramel Glaze.’’

Duncan sees the book as a way to shine an even brighter light on the city’s food scene. “The diversity of recipes and places in the book, I think, will make people want to come to Birmingham to eat the food,’’ she said. “I think it will encourage people who live here to go and try new places.’’

Duncan said she’s loved the library since she was a child growing up in east Birmingham.

“The library has a big place in my heart. From the time I was a kid, I would ride my bike to the East Lake Library to get books,’’ she said. “I would try to fill up my summer reading card to show how many books I’d read.’’

“For many people, the library is familiar and comforting,’’ she said. “They provide resources for people who may not have access to certain materials. We have to continue to support it.’’